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Session 1: Introduction

After you have read several pages aloud, ask students to define alliteration. (They will soon realize that alliteration is the repetition of words with the same beginning sound.)

3.

Show a page spread that the students have not yet seen, making sure to cover the text. Ask students to quickly write one or two alliterative sentences to accompany the illustration on the spread. Have a few students share their sentences with the class.

4.

Explain that alliteration is commonly used in advertisements, headlines, jingles, lyrics, poetry, jump rope rhymes, alphabet books, and tongue twisters. Lead a class discussion about why alliteration might be used in these sources.

Session 2: Alliteration in Acrostic Poetry

1.

Share Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak. Point out how the author uses alliteration in word pairs to describe the activities of the alligators. Inform students that they will use the same alliterative style when writing their own acrostic poems.

2.

Explain that an acrostic poem uses letters from a word written vertically to begin each line of the poem. Ask each student to think of a word with at least six letters that begins with the same first letter as his or her name. For example, Becky might choose "bubbles" for her word.

3.

Brainstorm a model word with the class and write it vertically on the board or overhead as such:

"Bubbles" by BeckyBUBBLES

4.

As a class, think of two words for each line of the poem that describe the topic word and begin with the same first vertical letter. Our model "Bubbles" poem becomes:

Lead students to the classroom computers or computer lab, and introduce them to the Acrostic Poems interactive tool. Model again how to create an acrostic alliterative poem using this tool. Show students how for each letter of the vertical word, they should think of two words beginning with the same letter that describe the topic word.

6.

Have students generate their own acrostic alliterative poems using a topic word of their choice. The Acrostic Poems tool provides students with sample words for each letter on the writing screen. You may also want to have a few dictionaries on hand to help students identify words for their poems.

7.

Circulate among students as they are writing their acrostic poems and provide assistance as needed. At this time, you can also assess each student's ability to define alliteration using the class assessment provided on page 2 of the Alliteration All Around Rubric. Place the appropriate number from the rubric next to the student's name to indicate his or her level of understanding.

Session 3: Alliteration in Alphabet and Number Books

1.

Explain to students that they will use alliteration to write either an alphabet or number book. They may decide which book they would like to write, and can work independently or with a partner.

Writing an Alphabet Book Students writing an alphabet book can use the alliterative style in Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak. Provide copies of the book as a reference for students, but ask them to think of a different topic than alligators.

Writing a Number BookStudents writing a number book can also use the alliterative style of Alligators All Around to write their book, but they should use the beginning letter for each number. For instance, a number book about ocean animals might begin, "One ornery octopus, two timid tiger sharks, three tired turtles..."

2.

Circulate around the room, helping students brainstorm, draft, and revise their books as needed.

3.

As you circulate, again ask each student to write or tell you the definition of alliteration. Update the Alliteration All Around Rubric according to student's level of understanding after this third session.

Session 4: Alliteration in Tongue Twisters

1.

Explain to the class that alliteration is used in one of their favorite things--tongue twisters! Share these original tongue twisters with the class, being sure to point out how alliteration is used in each one:

A big black bug blew big blue bubbles.

Many mini mice make nice merry music.

Pigs and penguins play ping-pong polo.

Big brown bears bake berry bread.

2.

Ask students to choose partners and read tongue twisters to each other from the books you have provided (see the Alliteration Booklist). After a few minutes, ask each pair to share their favorite tongue twisters with the class.

Divide the class into groups and distribute a Pamela Duncan Edwards' picture book to each group. Their first task is to choose a sentence from the book that would make a good tongue twister. An example from The Worrywarts might be, "Weasel wanted wieners and liverwurst, and his water pistol."

5.

Then have groups write their own tongue twisters following the instructions in Bruce Lansky's article. Circulate among the groups and provide assistance as needed.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT/REFLECTIONS

Use the Alliteration All Around Rubric to assess students' work during Sessions 1 through 4. Observe also students' interest and involvement in Session 5, during which they are asked to share their alliterative writing assignments with their classmates. Assess whether their writings and verbal comments reflect a proficient understanding of alliteration.